Railways of Somerset & the Devon Coast

September 2020 - September 2021

5 days from £499pp

This five-day tour sees you travelling on no less than five different railways along the beautiful Somerset and Devon coasts. Highlights include riding both the Dartmouth Steam Railway and river boat, plus experiencing the famous Lyton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway.

Rolling country meadows and glistening blue sea go hand in hand to create a holiday of dreams for any heritage rail enthusiasts. Keeping close to the market town of Tiverton, we enjoy scenic journeys on no less than five different railways, providing you with your perfect escape. From Buckfastleigh to Totnes, Bishops Lydeard to Minehead - and more... it’s time to sit back and relax as we travel in style through this beautiful corner of English countryside – we promise to make it one you will never forget.

Day 1: Tiverton

Make your own way to our hotel, where you meet our Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 2: West Somerset Railway & Dunster

This morning we board our coach and travel to the picturesque village of Bishops Lydeard to join the West Somerset Railway to Minehead. The route follows over 20 miles of glorious Somerset countryside with highlights including the Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the distant hills of Exmoor, and spectacular views along the Devon coastline. From here we travel to the pretty historic village of Dunster. Set on the hills is Dunster Castle which offers dramatic views over the village, which is filled with many listed buildings.

Today our coach takes us to Woody Bay Station, where we board the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, for a 2 mile round trip through stunning north Devon countryside before our coach takes us to the nearby town of Lynton. From here we take the Victorian Funicular Cliff Railway, a unique water powered lift which offers spectacular views of the north Devon coastline as you glide the 862 foot track to the town of Lynmouth. Explore each town with wealth of quaint curio, pottery and souvenir shops, as well as the local history museum.

Day 4: South Devon Railway – Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat

This morning we join the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh and embark on the 7 mile journey which follows a picturesque route alongside the River Dart to Totnes. On arrival, we board the boat cruise service and follow the valley full of natural beauty to Dartmouth. This beautiful fishing port is filled with narrow streets, sweeping steps and medieval buildings. After free time we join the foot ferry to Kingswear where we board the Dartmouth Stream railway to Paignton, which runs 7 miles along the spectacular Torbay coast and through the wooded slopes.

Day 5: Home

After breakfast you are free to check out of our hotel and depart at leisure; you could even take the opportunity to explore Tiverton.

Please note: We cannot guarantee that all our rail journeys will be steam hauled and the running order of the itinerary may change depending on availability. The final itinerary will be confirmed in your final Travel Documents.

ROUTE MAP:

Four nights’ half board accommodation in Tiverton

Coach transfers for our excursions

Services of our experienced Tour Manager

Join us at our hotel in the UK

Make your own travel arrangements at your convenience to join your selected holiday. Simply arrive at the hotel and our Tour Manager will be there to greet you.

If you require any further information to assist with your travel plans, please contact our Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help.

Parking is available at our hotel for those wishing to drive.

Dates:

2020

17, 4 September 2020

2021

13 May 2021

17 June 2021

15 July 2021

19 August 2021

9 & 23 September 2021

Prices:

All prices listed are per person

Twin/double share: from £499

Single room supplement: from £140

Your Accommodation

Best Western Tiverton

★★★

Overview

Set in two and a half acres of mature gardens on the edge of the delightful market town of Tiverton, the Best Western Hotel is ideally located being just 7 miles from Tiverton train station and with public transport links close by. Spacious guest rooms are on the ground and first floors of the hotel. Each room is tastefully furnished and offers all the facilities for a comfortable stay.

Hotel Facilities & Amenities

The hotel’s Gallery Restaurant serves a full English breakfast with locally sourced produce. Dinner is a 3-course carvery-style menu with a choice of starters served at the table, buffet-style main course, and choice of desert from the desert table with tea or coffee. Drinks can be enjoyed in the hotel’s comfortable bar. There is complimentary parking on site with electric car charge point, and hotel guests have complimentary use of the pool and gym at the nearby Exe Valley Leisure Centre in Tiverton.

Room Facilities & Amenities

Standard Rooms

Available as a double/twin share, or for sole occupancy, these rooms are spacious, comfortable and carefully designed to give you the benefit of a restful night's sleep.

All rooms are equipped with the following:

En-suite bathroom featuring bath with shower over

Heating

Flat screen Satellite TV with iPod docking

Hairdryer

Complimentary WiFi

Telephone

Tea/Coffee making facilities

Iron & ironing board

Please note: The bedrooms are situated on the ground and first floor. There is no lift to the bedrooms on first floor which is accessed by approx. 20 steps, so please advise us if you require a ground floor room.